Obama to Ed Reed: 'You look like an old man'

The thought of seeing Ed Reed in another team's uniform at M&T Bank Stadium has been an unsettling thought for Ravens fans. But now it seems that might not happen after all.

Reed and his new team, the Houston Texans, visit the Ravens on Sept. 22. But Reed, who was back in town Wednesday for the Ravens' visit to the White House to recognize their Super Bowl title, hinted that he might not be in action by then. He is working back from offseason hip surgery and said he won't rush his recovery.

“I plan on being back for Week 1,” Reed told Baltimoreravens.com. “But as you’ve known me for the longest time, I’m going to be smart about my injuries and make sure I’m there for the later part of the season when the team really needs me.”

If Reed misses any extended length of time, it might again drum up discussion about whether the Texans knew Reed was bothered by an ailing hip when they signed him to a three-year contract in March.

Reed, who turns 35 in September, was bothered by various injuries last season but was one of just two defensive players who started every game.

Then again, what would an offseason be without Reed and an I'm-playing-or-maybe-I'm-not quote or two? You might recall that over the past several years, Reed spent the offseason hinting about retiring, but always found his way back to the field.

He'll find his way back again, but it remains to be seen whether it will be in time to see No. 20 in a strange uniform at M&T Bank Stadium.